For 6th Graders: Unique and Fun Ideas for Independent Research Projects

Observation of Rivers and Landforms

[Science] Landforms Created by Rivers and Their Functions

The actions of flowing water—erosion, transportation, and deposition—are expressed as landforms around rivers.

For example, deltas, which are often seen near river mouths, are landforms created by deposition.

Using the internet, books, or maps, investigate places where these landforms can be found, then visit them to observe directly.

If you take photos and also record surrounding conditions—such as the river’s shape and how the water flows—you may discover patterns you hadn’t noticed before and deepen your understanding of how flowing water works.

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Hane Keisuke

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Handmade soap making

Like Clay!? Easy Aroma Soap Making (Soap Base Version)

Do you know about making hand-kneaded soap? First, warm the soap base until it becomes clay-like, then add colorants to tint it.

This will make it almost like real modeling clay.

After that, just knead it into any shape you like, as if you were playing with clay.

Once you’ve shaped it, let it dry to finish.

With a bit of creativity, you can make any kind of soap—animals, stars, and more.

Choosing a summer-themed motif would also make it great for an independent research project.

By the way, if you want to add a scent, using essential oils is recommended.

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yamamoto

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homemade motor

Homemade motor: I tried making a homopolar motor. Making of Homopolar Motor

How about trying to make a homopolar motor yourself? Its strange motion will entertain anyone watching.

All you need are an AA battery, a neodymium magnet, and some copper wire.

Place the battery on top of the magnet, then position a piece of conductive wire so that it loops around.

Strangely enough, the copper wire will start spinning.

Using two wires or bending them into complex shapes makes it even more fun.

With a bit of creativity—like setting up many of them side by side—you can turn it into a unique art piece.

By the way, the copper wire can get hot, so be careful when touching it.

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yamamoto

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Make a storm glass and observe it

[Recommended for independent research] I tried making a storm glass (weather glass)

Have you ever heard of an instrument called a storm glass? These days, you can sometimes find it in variety shops as a home decor item.

A storm glass is a glass container filled with a special liquid that changes its appearance depending on weather conditions such as temperature and humidity, and in the 19th century it was used for weather forecasting.

If you look into it, you’ll find it can be made with items available at drugstores, so give it a try.

Observe the completed storm glass and put together a report by making a table of the day’s weather, temperature, humidity, and the appearance of the liquid inside the storm glass.

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Hane Keisuke

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DIY speakers

Surpass BOSE! I tried making DIY speakers with a Pringles can!

How about making a speaker that you can plug your smartphone or portable music player into? Building a speaker might sound difficult, but to put it simply, all you need to do is make a hole for your phone—it’s that easy! Use an empty cylindrical container, like one from a snack.

Cut a hole with a utility knife big enough to fit your phone, and loosely stuff some toilet paper inside—then you’re done.

You can add a base so it stands firmly, and decorate the tube to create a cool, one-of-a-kind speaker!

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utatane

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